Generic Diclofenac (Diclofenac sodium )

Introduction

Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is available in oral tablet form at strengths of 50 mg and 100 mg. The medication belongs to the arylacetic acid class of NSAIDs and is approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, and dysmenorrhea. In some clinical settings it is employed off-label for conditions such as postoperative pain, migraine, and certain dermatologic inflammatory disorders, although these uses are not formally sanctioned by regulatory agencies.

What is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound Diclofenac sodium. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. The drug was first synthesized in the early s by Ciba-Geigy (now part of Novartis) and has been marketed worldwide under brand names such as Voltaren, Cataflam, and Zymadine. It is classified as a non-selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitor, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins-chemical mediators that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

How Diclofenac Works

Diclofenac sodium exerts its therapeutic effect by inhibiting both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. COX enzymes convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H₂, the precursor of other prostaglandins that sensitize nociceptors and maintain inflammatory tissue responses. By blocking this pathway, Diclofenac decreases prostaglandin levels, leading to reduced pain perception and diminished inflammation.

• Onset of action: Oral tablets generally begin to relieve pain within 30-60 minutes, with peak plasma concentrations occurring at 2-3 hours.
• Duration: Analgesic effects typically last 6-8 hours, supporting twice-daily dosing for most indications.
• Clearance: Diclofenac is extensively metabolised in the liver via hydroxylation and glucuronidation, and its metabolites are eliminated primarily by the kidneys. The terminal half-life is approximately 1-2 hours in healthy adults, but the pharmacodynamic effect persists longer because of tissue binding.

Conditions Treated with Diclofenac

• Osteoarthritis: Reduces joint pain and stiffness by decreasing synovial inflammation.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Controls systemic and joint-specific inflammation, improving functional capacity.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Alleviates axial skeletal pain and morning stiffness.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: Provides rapid relief for sprains, strains, and soft-tissue injuries.
• Dysmenorrhea: Mitigates uterine cramping through inhibition of prostaglandin-mediated uterine contractions.

For each of these approved indications, Diclofenac’s COX inhibition directly addresses the underlying inflammatory cascade, resulting in measurable symptom relief as demonstrated in pivotal randomized controlled trials (e.g., the CONDOR and KOSTER studies).

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Diclofenac

These applications are reported in peer-reviewed literature but remain outside official labeling. Patients should only consider off-label use under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Is Diclofenac the Right Medication for You?

Diclofenac is most appropriate for adults who require NSAID therapy for inflammatory joint disorders or acute pain where COX inhibition is beneficial. Ideal candidates include:

• Individuals with confirmed osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded adequately to acetaminophen or weaker NSAIDs.
• Patients experiencing short-term musculoskeletal injuries requiring prompt analgesia.
• Women seeking relief from primary dysmenorrhea without hormonal therapy.

Contraindications include:

• Known hypersensitivity to Diclofenac, other NSAIDs, or any excipients in the tablet.
• Active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²).
• Unstable cardiovascular disease (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension).

In such situations, alternative analgesic strategies should be pursued.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (epigastric pain, dyspepsia) - typically mild and mitigated by taking tablets with food.
• Headache - transient and often resolves without intervention.
• Dizziness - may occur, especially in the elderly; caution when operating machinery.

Rare

• Elevated liver enzymes - monitor hepatic function in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
• Renal function decline - occasional creatinine elevation in susceptible individuals.
• Photosensitivity - increased skin reaction to sunlight; advise sun protection.

Serious

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding - risk increases with higher doses, concurrent corticosteroids, or anticoagulants.
• Cardiovascular thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, stroke) - NSAIDs can elevate thrombotic risk, especially in patients with existing cardiovascular disease.
• Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) - immediate discontinuation and emergency care required.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants): Additive bleeding risk.
• Aspirin or other NSAIDs: Heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors/ARBs and diuretics: May exacerbate renal impairment.
• Lithium: Reduced clearance leading to lithium toxicity.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Alcohol: Potentiates gastric mucosal injury; limit intake.
• High-sodium meals: May modestly increase blood pressure; monitor hypertensive patients.

Patients should disclose all concomitant medications and supplements to their prescriber.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard oral dosing: 50 mg taken twice daily (every 12 hours) or 100 mg once daily, depending on the indication and patient tolerance.
• Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 150 mg per day for chronic use; higher doses may be used short-term under specialist supervision.
• Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule; do not double-dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, or renal dysfunction. Seek immediate medical attention; supportive care and gastric decontamination may be administered in a clinical setting.
• Administration advice: Tablets can be swallowed with water; taking them with food reduces gastrointestinal irritation. Avoid alcohol and operating heavy machinery until the drug’s effect on alertness is known.

FAQ

• What should I store Diclofenac tablets in?  Store the tablets at controlled room temperature (15-30 °C). Keep them in their original container, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

• Can I travel internationally with Diclofenac?  Yes, but ensure you carry the medication in its original packaging with a clear label. Some countries may require a prescription declaration; check local import regulations before departure.

• Does Diclofenac contain any allergens?  The inactive ingredients typically include lactose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide. Patients with known allergies to these excipients should verify the specific formulation from the supplier.

• How does Diclofenac differ from ibuprofen?  Both are NSAIDs, but Diclofenac has a stronger COX-2 inhibition profile, leading to more potent anti-inflammatory effects at comparable doses. However, Diclofenac may carry a higher cardiovascular risk.

• Will Diclofenac show up on a drug test?  Standard employment drug panels do not test for NSAIDs, including Diclofenac. It is unlikely to be detected unless a specialized assay is ordered.

• Is it safe to take Diclofenac while pregnant?  Diclofenac is classified as pregnancy category C in the United States and is generally avoided in the third trimester because of potential fetal cardiovascular effects. Consultation with an obstetrician is essential.

• Can I use Diclofenac if I have a kidney stone?  NSAIDs can impair renal perfusion and increase the risk of stone-related pain. Patients with a history of nephrolithiasis should discuss alternative analgesics with their clinician.

• What is the difference between generic and brand-name Diclofenac?  Both contain the same active ingredient-Diclofenac sodium-and must meet identical bio-equivalence standards. Generic versions, such as those supplied by our online pharmacy, are typically less expensive while offering comparable efficacy.

• How long can I stay on Diclofenac therapy?  Chronic use should be limited to the lowest effective dose and regularly reassessed by a healthcare provider, typically not exceeding 3-6 months without re-evaluation due to cumulative cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.

• Is there a risk of developing tolerance to Diclofenac?  Tolerance to analgesic effect can occur with prolonged use, especially at higher doses. Rotating NSAIDs or incorporating non-pharmacologic pain management strategies may mitigate this phenomenon.

Glossary

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)

An enzyme family (COX-1 and COX-2) that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation, pain, and fever.

Bio-equivalence

A regulatory standard indicating that a generic drug delivers the same amount of active ingredient to the bloodstream as the reference brand product, within an acceptable range.

Prostaglandin

Lipid compounds that act locally to promote inflammation, protect gastric mucosa, and regulate blood flow; their synthesis is inhibited by NSAIDs.

Half-life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %; influences dosing intervals and accumulation.

Buying Diclofenac from Our Online pharmacy

Diclofenac can be obtained through our online pharmacy, a service designed to simplify access to medically approved generic medications.

• Cost efficiency: By sourcing directly from licensed overseas manufacturers, we can offer Diclofenac at prices close to the product’s original manufacturing cost, reducing the financial burden for patients.
• Verified quality: All tablets are purchased from GMP-certified suppliers and undergo rigorous quality checks before shipment, ensuring the medication meets international pharmacopeial standards.
• Discrete delivery: Orders are packaged in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes and dispatched via trusted carriers. Standard express shipping typically arrives within 7 days, while regular airmail takes approximately 3 weeks.
• Privacy-focused service: As a pharmacy broker, we operate entirely online, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Your personal information is encrypted and stored securely, respecting the confidentiality of your health choices.

For individuals with limited local pharmacy options, high out-of-pocket costs, or concerns about privacy, our online platform provides a reliable, compliant avenue to obtain Diclofenac safely.

Disclaimer

The details presented about Diclofenac are intended for general educational purposes and do not replace professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including any off-label applications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of informed health choices. Our online pharmacy supplies Diclofenac to persons who may encounter restricted access through conventional pharmacies or insurance formularies, or who seek more affordable generic options. Always discuss with a physician before initiating, modifying, or stopping any medication.